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Woman Suffrage Centennial Web Exhibit

A postcard lampoons the women’s movement by portraying a woman seemingly more interested in voting than in looking after the wellbeing of her family. Opposition to woman suffrage was fierce among traditional groups. Many feared that voting would distract women from their “domestic duties” or create family dissension. Others were concerned that women were not capable of voting responsibly or would be corrupted by the process. Some worried that women would form a solid party and outvote men. And, many men—raised and accustomed to dictating events in the political sphere—simply saw no reason to give up any power to women without a fight. (Oregon Historical Society)